ON THE weekend where you can do a double take for every pop legend in history one band is sure to stand out.
The Backbeat Beatles - arguably the nearest you will get to the real thing - are back in town providing one of the main attractions of the Mathew Street Festival.
And for one of the musicians this year's event is more poignant than ever because 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the movie that spawned the outfit's creation - Backbeat.
In April 1994, the movie - the story of the "fifth Beatle" Stuart Sutcliffe, who died aged 21, opened worldwide with an international cast headed by Hollywood star Stephen Dorff as the troubled bassist and including St Helens' boy Chris O'Neill as George Harrison.
The movie inspired Chris to form the Backbeat Beatles, in which Chris has performed as both John Lennon and now Paul McCartney.
But, says Chris, there could be a reunion on the cards this year for the original movie line-up. There are talks about a musical version of the film featuring the original cast.
"We are all still in regular contact," says Chris of his actor co-stars. "They wanted the original cast to open the first month in the West end. That is something we would love to do."
While talks continue over a stage show, Chris and the other Backbeaters are busy as always with their live performances.
Despite the film career, music is clearly Chris's first love. The multi-talented musician was given a guitar for his fourteenth birthday and has never looked back. "I learned bass for every Beatles song in two weeks," he offers..
But it's no easy ride emulating the most famous pop band ever. The Backbeat Beatles' audiences are treated to not only the musical excellence that is guaranteed with every performance but also the eleborate costumes, that range from the classic Beatles suits to Sergeant Pepper regalia, which means their act is a feast for the senses.
"People e-mail me from all around the world to tell me how good our shows are. It's a great buzz," says Chris.
